“Countless businesses have come and gone in Chicago since it became a city in 1837. But some of the longest-standing companies are family-owned, which may be one of the keys to that longevity.
“Curious City went in search of the oldest family-owned business in Chicago today. The holder of that title was hard to pin down: City officials weren’t able to help because the city’s business license database only goes back to 2002. Other resources offer some clues: Preservation Chicago’s website features a list of ‘Chicago Legacy Businesses,’ but the group said it’s ‘very much a work in progress.’
“To narrow down the field, we looked for businesses that have stayed in the city and the same family continuously. Here are the top contenders for the title.
“One of the area’s best-known real estate companies, Baird & Warner traces its roots back to 1855. ‘We are the oldest real estate company in the United States,’ says President and CEO Steve Baird.
“The title of oldest family-owned business in the city could go to a tobacco shop in the Loop, originally called the E. Hoffman Company when it started in 1857. In addition to a downtown store, German immigrant Edward Hoffman also manufactured pipe tobacco and cigars on the South Side. Hoffman needed help, but he didn’t have any children he could rely on, so he persuaded his nephew, Iwan Ries, to come over from Germany and run the retail location for him. In 1891, Hoffman turned over ownership to Ries who renamed the business [Iwan Ries & Co].” (Loerzel, WBEZ, 11/13/24)
Preservation Chicago’s Chicago Legacy Business Overview
“Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. Chicago neighborhoods are anchored by Chicago Legacy Businesses. What are Chicago Legacy Businesses? Chicago Legacy Businesses are often multi-generational, family-owned, and locally operated. Business owners often live in their community and employ people from their community.
“Chicago Legacy Businesses are a reflection of Chicago which is culturally rich and ethnically diverse. Their authenticity and uniqueness contribute to the quality of life for Chicagoans.
“Pressure from rising rents and competition from national chains has forced many Chicago Legacy Businesses to close. The economic impact of the pandemic has made it even more challenging for Chicago Legacy Businesses to survive.
“Chicago Legacy Businesses have been supporting Chicago and serving Chicagoans for decades. Now is the time we must recognize, celebrate and support them.
“By recognizing and celebrating Chicago Legacy Businesses, Preservation Chicago hopes that Chicagoans will choose to support Chicago Legacy Businesses by ‘voting with their wallets’. The simplest way for individuals to support Chicago Legacy Businesses is by shopping, dinning and drinking at these establishments.
“Additionally, Preservation Chicago hopes that City of Chicago will take steps to pass a Chicago Legacy Business Protection Ordinance to help recognize, celebrate and financially support Chicago Legacy Businesses. Successful legacy business programs have been implemented in San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and others. (Preservation Chicago Website)
Read the full story at WBEZ Chicago and Preservation Chicago
- Chicago Legacy Business: What’s the oldest family-owned business in Chicago? Tracking down the oldest family-owned business is tougher than it sounds. We found two contenders that predate the Chicago fire, Robert Loerzel, WBEZ Chicago, 11/13/24
- Chicago Legacy Business List and Overview, Preservation Chicago website